But everyone ignores her 😞

By Alana Francis-Crow

Published on Aug 29, 2025 at 11:07 AM

When a stray dog named Zelda was abandoned in the lobby of Valley Animal Center in Fresno, California, the shelter’s staff and volunteers were heartbroken. How could anyone have dumped such a sweet dog?

As the shelter workers assessed Zelda, it became clear she’d been through a lot in her life before getting abandoned. She was anxious and overwhelmed by the hectic shelter environment.

Because Zelda was clearly so uncomfortable in the shelter, everyone hoped she would get adopted quickly. But over 410 days have passed since Zelda was dumped, and she’s had almost no one apply to adopt her.

“Zelda has been waiting far too long for a family to call her own,” Valley Animal Center wrote on Facebook.

Zelda has to be the only pet in a household, which might be one reason people keep overlooking her. And because being in her kennel makes her so anxious, people assume she’s standoffish and write her off before getting to know her.

“She’s watched adopters walk right past her and choose someone else every time,” a volunteer at the shelter wrote on TikTok.

https://www.tiktok.com/embed/v2/7531537789070953758?lang=en-GB&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedodo.com%2Fdaily-dodo%2Fshelter-dog-desperate-for-love-keeps-trying-to-give-kisses-through-kennel-bars

While shelter visitors dismiss Zelda as unfriendly, the staff and volunteers who’ve gotten to know her over the year she’s been at Valley Animal Center know a different side of her.

“Sometimes, it’s hard to see a dog’s true personality behind shelter walls, and Zelda deserves to be seen for who she really is: a goofy, smart, treat-loving companion with a heart full of love,” Valley Animal Center wrote on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FValleyAnimalCenter%2Fposts%2Fpfbid034SpUNSVjubXokWo34FxBCpH8MWQcP7yUGtJG9FygPmjevPUVDGpzLip7NLN1LjWRl&show_text=true&width=500

Zelda got a short break from the shelter environment when a family decided to take a chance on her and bring her home a few months ago. But after just three days, they decided to return her.

Ever since, Zelda has been trying extra hard to put her best foot forward and be as outgoing as possible. The other day, she even tried to give kisses to people through the bars of her kennel. But still, she was ignored.

Everyone who’s gotten to know Zelda is eager for her to finally find her true forever home. They know her perfect fit is out there somewhere.

“If you’re looking for an active, loving companion, Zelda might be your perfect match,” Valley Animal Center wrote on Instagram.

If you’re interested in adopting Zelda, you can check out Valley Animal Center’s adoption information page here.

Related

Dog Adopted After Years In Shelter Finds Herself Without A Home Yet Again

She’s been in the shelter for over 1,500 days.

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Adorable ‘Monster’ Goes Searching For Friends At Dog Adoption Event

“When people first see Citrus, most of them will do a double take.”

By Caitlin Jill Anders

Every year, The Tucson Dog Magazine sponsors an adoption event in the Tucson area called Dogtoberfest. Rescues and other animal organizations in the area come together to help get as many dogs adopted as possible — and some other animals who definitely aren’t dogs.

Southern Arizona Reptile Rescue & Education was one of the rescues in attendance at the event, and they brought someone along to be an ambassador and greeter for their booth. While he looks a little like a monster at first glance, Citrus was one of the friendliest pets at the whole event.